When images of Jonathan Majors emerged from the set of Creed III, everyone wanted to know his workout routine. Here’s how the 32-year-old actor got in fighting-fit shape for his new role.
Just over a month has passed since fans were granted their first look at the new trailer for Creed III, but ask anyone who watched it, and they’ll likely tell you that they haven’t stopped – that those few minutes of sizzle reel are still on loop, a tab on the computer that no amount of willpower can close. It’s understandable when you consider not just the success of Creed and Creed II, which tell the story of Apollo Creed’s son, played by Michael B. Jordan. But for this next instalment, we’ll see Jordan alongside Jonathan Majors, and if the trailer is anything to go by, Majors went all in on ensuring his character is a memorable one.
Known for being an actor that favours intense preparation for any role, it seems clear that Majors was taking no chances with his upcoming role in Creed III. If ever there was an actor who truly embodied the character, Majors has the physique of a boxer down pat, along with the technical prowess and athleticism you’d expect of someone who has spent so much of their life inside the ring.
Speaking to Men’s Health UK, Majors revealed that he’s doubled-down on his fitness routine, which is surprising in some respects when you consider just how busy he is: aside from the release of Creed III, Majors will also star as Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, an aviator in Devotion and a bodybuilder in Magazine Dreams. But in making his fitness a priority, he’s still found time to workout, packing on 10 pounds of muscle for Creed, five more for Kang, and an extra six for Magazine Dreams, all the while shredding to a body fat percentage below 10 per cent.
Unlike some in Hollywood who simply look at fitness for its aesthetic gains, Majors believes his workouts are crucial to character development. “When you see these guys, it’s like, Yeah, they’re fucking fit. But if you look at it, there’s a story there,” he said. “If I’m going to bench-press 250 in a film, I need to be able to bench-[ress 275 a few times…305 a few times.”
As well as using fitness as a way of understanding his characters and delving deeper into their psyche, Majors admits that it’s also an outlet he needs – both physically and mentally. “Training and working out are very important to me. I try to challenge myself to get to a place to express things in the gym the same way that I do in my line of work,” he explains.
Here, Majors shares a quick, back-building session he likes to complete with trainer Mark ‘Rhino’ Smith. It might be quick, but it sure packs a punch and if there’s one thing Majors knows all too well, it’s that quantity never overrides the importance of quality.
Jonathan Majors’ Back-Building Workout
1. Straight Arm Lat Pulldown
3 sets of 10 reps
2A. Close Grip Pullups
3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
2B. Leg Raises
3 sets of 8 to 10 reps
2C. Oblique Knee Raise
3 sets of 8 reps
3A. One-Arm Dumbbell Row
3 sets of 12 reps per arm
3B. Dumbbell Shrugs
3 sets of 12 reps
